The Music Industry: Dead, or More Alive Than Ever?

YO YO!!!! What's going on everyone?  Hope everyone had a good weekend.  My weekend was filled with laziness and football, and I'm not complaining one bit.  I didn't get to go to the studio this weekend either, but this week will be different.  Also, just a heads up that I'll be releasing a new song this week (ok, it's actually an interlude...who releases interludes??? ).  This week I wanted to kick it off with some music talk.

So I was l looking for some music documentaries to check out and I ended up coming across this one that's still in the making from Future Machine called "Who Killed (or Saved!) the Music Industry?" I uploaded the trailer of it on this blog for you all to check out.  I have to admit, I've very interested in seeing this documentary and I will be looking for it when it's released.  After looking at the trailer, it make me think about how things have been changing drastically with the music industry.  I think about how people were at one point in time were saving up money to record a demo tape to take to a label to try to become signed.  Nowadays, not too many people are even trying to become a signed artist to a major label (and they most certainly not are making demo TAPES). The tools to become a successful independent music artist as so affordable now that it seems like everyone is trying to be the next superstar, regardless if they really have the talent to be or not.  Of course I say this as I type this blog on my computer that has Pro Tools 11 and Logic Pro X installed on it while my Native Instrument Maschine is directly next to me, so it's not like I can't relate.  I'm part of an independent "label" (so to say) right now, and eventually I will be signed. I'm not trying to send demos to Def Jam or to Interscope Records, but I do have a Soundcloud account that will have songs uploaded, so that's good enough, right?

I can't even imagine how it would be if I was signed to Def Jam or Interscope.  I would have to worry about getting my album leaked a few weeks before it is released (I know all the sites where to get music from, by the way), and how much money I might lose.  Then again, let's be honest... who the hell am I? Not saying I don't make quality music, or I don't value my music, but is there really a demand to illegally pirate my music? That's what A&R reps are there for...to build me up to be the artist that the label wants me to be, so they can make money off of me and I get my small share of the cut.  When people pirate my music, the label would get less money, which would make me get less money, which ends up leaving me broke like many other artist out there (watch the TLC "Behind the Music" video and listen to when Left Eye talks about the point system).  There are a lot of artist that would rather just grind it out themselves, do shows and tour across the country on their own, and keep all the profits of their product.  Who needs a record label now?

So there's a decline of major labels, but a rise in independent music... so does that mean that the music industry is dead, or is this new life? Pirated music is killing music sales, as most hip hop artist struggle to even sell 500,000 copies of their cd (which is considered going Gold, Platinum is 1 million sales). Just watch the video... listen to what the people are saying.  EVERYTHING has been changed with the music industry.  Is this the evolution of the industry, or devolution? To all the artist out there that maybe reading this, how do you feel about your position in the music game right now?  To the people reading that love to listen to music, how often do you support their music by buying their albums LEGALLY? (Wait, don't answer that last question on here, I don't want to get anyone in trouble, lol)  How do you all feel about the direction of the industry?  Me personally, I'm conflicted with my thoughts.  When I was younger, I did have dreams of being on a major label.  Now, I'm content being independent right now, but I wonder how far it will take me.  Will my success be determined by my grind on the streets, or is my fate lay in the hands of the ever-changing ways of society and the industry?  I guess only time will tell.

Let me know what you guys think about the blog.  If you are a musician, send some links to your music. I try to support artist, and I hope I can get that support in return.  You got Soundcloud, Facebook, or other pagers pages? Post a link and I'll go follow you or like you.  Support the artists! Support the music!  Be blessed y'all!

Mood Music...

Yo Yo!  What's up everyone?  I'm a little late with this blog, so I'll make this another short one.  Plus, I need to get back to what I was doing...making music. Oh, and sorry if you thought this blog had anything to do with Joe Budden (ARE YOU IN THAT MOOD YET?!?!?!).

Today was one of those days where depression creeps up on me and makes me feel like "the old me".  I hate that even though I've made it past so much in my life, I still have tendencies to feel the way that I felt today.  Days like this I feel that I'm better off dead, which is a horrible feeling to have.  If anyone read my last blog, I was talking about trying to master my craft as a producer and get more familiar with my tools around me.  Lucky for me I stayed true to that post and was up all night preparing for today.  Even with my terrible feeling of sorrow, I was still able to come up with a few beats (one I'm even using on my own project).  This is one of the many times that I feel that music took me to a happier place, which it does quite often for many people.  My music didn't reflect on any depression, rather it was joyful and energetic (something I needed at the time).  It's amazing what music can do for the soul.
There are a lot of people that don't make music, but still use music from others to help them cope with pain and depression.  This is why I get upset when I hear all of the garbage that people call "music"because some of use owe our lives to music.  Music supposed to touch our hearts even more than our ears. I know I'm not the only one out there that agrees with that, but too many people just don't give a damn anymore.

Anyways... I'm not fully out of my mood yet, but I'm getting there.  I got more music to make, hopefully you all will be hearing some of it soon.  I'll be keeping you posted.  Studio session tomorrow, I'll let you know how that goes as well.  You all take care, God bless!

“Music touches us emotionally, where words alone can't.” 
― Johnny Depp

Knowing is have the battle...

YO YO!!! Hope everyone is enjoying their day.  My day has been busy, and I still have a lot to do so this blog won't be long.  I felt that I had to speak on something that's been on my mind since last night.  Not to deep, just more like a life lesson that I have finally realized.

On Facebook, I posted something before I went to sleep.  It was a realization I had while trying to work on music.  My post (for the most part) said this: "The amount of tools you have at your disposal mean absolutely nothing if you don't know how to use any of them to their fullest capabilities".  You know they say that knowledge is power, and I think that people don't fully understand how deep that saying actually is.  Knowledge is not just about information, but it's about understanding.  As a producer, I have tons of tools around me.  I know how to use them all to a certain degree, but there's a lot that I still don't know nor still understand.  So for the rest of the night, I will be taking the time to get more familiar with my craft and my equipment so I can put out better music.  I think people should take the time to become a master of what they do, not just a person that knows how to do something.  It's nice to know a lot of things, but how many people can say I've mastered an art?  So that's what I'm going for now, to be a master at what I do.  That might end up making me have to cut back on other things so I can focus more at one thing at a time, but I think that is best for me.  I need books, videos, guidance, and dedication to get to the point that I want to be at.  One should never limit themselves to what they can do, but instead just prioritize on making sure what you do is done to your fullest ability.  I hope this inspires or motivates anyone out there that's reading.  If so, leave a comment about your situation.  I'm sure I'm not the only one out there that has been thinking like this.  Well, it's time to start making it happen over here.  You guys stay blessed.  PEACE!

GET A J.O.B.!!!! (Not literally...at least not on this post)

YO YO!! What up everyone! I'm coming to realize that trying to blog EVERYDAY is a lot harder than some think it is (or maybe I just suck...), so there will be times when I don't necessarily talk about myself, but instead talk about people around me.  So I guess you can consider today a "Music Artist Highlight", something that I plan on doing often.  I'll keep it brief, just make sure you pay attention.

Enter the group JustOnBizness aka J.O.B. I've been listening to their album "Community Service" for a few days now and it stays on repeat.  I don't know the four emcees (Cash & Dilly, Jerm and Notes) personally as a collective, but I used to go to high school with Ca$h.  I was lucky enough to get a sneak peak of the album before it drops and I have to say that IT IS DOPE! It's always refreshing to hear some good, authentic hip hop come straight out of Chicago.  Their album gives you that good 90's type feel, yet it still feels current to the present generation.  From the moment the intro track "Dizzy" starts, you can tell that this group is not to be taken lightly.  I'm not gonna give you a whole album review (maybe I should start doing that.  Hmmmmmm...), but I just want to make sure that anyone that's reading this does not sleep on them.

Me and Cash will be working on some music in the near future.  I'll actually be releasing a track from us sometime this month.  Might even get a project from the two of us...you'll just have to wait and see.  If any of the J.O.B. crew is reading, I just wanna tell them that I love their music and make sure they keep doing what they do.  Oh, and the song "Snakes" should of had me on it...seriously!

When the album has it's release date, I'll be letting you all know.  Until then, you all stay blessed. PEACE!

You can find out more information about J.O.B. from their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/JustOnBizness

And you can follow them on Twitter here:
https://twitter.com/JusToNbiZneSS

Shutdown, Obama Care, blah blah... (My non in-depth thoughts)

Yo yo!! What's going on people? I guess I can answer that, cause there are three things going on that most people are dealing with: GTA V goes online today, NBA 2K14 comes out today (as you can clearly see, I am a gamer), and most important news of the day is that there is a partial government shutdown today. I'm not gonna go through the whole details about this shutdown (that's what the news is for), but it all stems from the whole Obama Care going into affect starting today. Funny thing is, I'm writing this blog from a hospital right now as I await for one of the nurses to call my father's name. In case you are wondering, everything is ok. This visit is a follow up from my father's surgery he had recently. He has free Medicare and I don't, which was the reason why at 12:30 this morning I was online trying to see what this Obama Care was all about. Although I didn't find out any information that I didn't know already, I will go ahead and finally apply for some free coverage cause I'm not getting any younger (regardless if my handsome looks still remain the same).

I could of sworn that the government was supposed to be "for the people, by the people". So when the government stops functioning, is it far fetched to feel as if the government is making a direct statement saying " F#*$ the people"? I mean, I understand it's bigger than that, but it's the American citizens that have to suffer throughout this mess. With it being the first of the month, I know a lot of people were concern if their checks and food stamps will be given to them (my food stamps come on the third, so I had some concern as well). There are gonna be quite a few people that this shutdown will have an impact on for sure. A lot of people are pointing fingers at Obama for this, while others support him and the Obama Care plan. Me personally, I've seen my father's problem with kidney disease for years now, I've seen how bad his health got within the last two years to the point of which his kidneys were only functioning at about 10%, and I know kidney disease is hereditary and I can't afford insurance. I'm in a situation where I feel almost obligated to be in favor of Obama Care, but I understand why a lot of people aren't. I'm not to big on politics, however I do vote and I try to make an attempt to stay updated on current events. It's sad (but not surprising) that the House (Republicans) aren't willing to comply with the spending towards Obama Care , but you would think that the government would of done a better job to prevent a shutdown from happening. Why can places like Canada have a free health care system and still be ran efficiently but America gets caught up in all of this nonsense? Maybe if I wasn't so tired and didn't feel like trash right now I probably could answer that myself. America, we need to get it together. Our country now is laughable to other nations. 2013 has been a hell of a year... And we haven't even reached winter yet. Oh well, I guess when I get home I can just turn on the Xbox and just ignore all this mess for now. I just know I better get my damn stamps on the third! 

Hopefully this shutdown won't last too long, but if it does then the next time I blog about it I will talk more on the actual politics. I just don't have the energy in me right now to do it. You all stay blessed, I'm out. PEACE!

Well, at least there's Monday Night Football...

Yo yo!! Hope everyone is enjoying their day today.  Today is the start of me TRYING to blog once a day.  Funny thing is, I would pick a day to start that when I have absolutely nothing to talk about.  Somehow I will pull this off and complete this blog, even if it's filled with a whole bunch of gibberish, then finish strong with some football talk.  With that being said, let the gibberish begin!

I guess I'll get all the other random stuff out the way first.  Anyone that has been keeping track with my blog can see that there's a new look to it.  I had this one template that I was gonna use, but after hours of tampering with it, I realized how much it sucked and I decided to go with a more simpler look.  You can now access my Soundcloud, Youtube, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook from this blog.  I'll be doing a lot more frequent updates with my music as time passes too, so be on the look out. Unfortunately, today was filled with nothing but utter boredom for the most part, and absolutely no music work done what so every.  That will all change as the week progresses.

Now since that's all out the way, let's talk about some FOOTBALL!

I'm glad tonights game between the Miami Dolphins and the New Orleans Saints has no impact on my Fantasy Football team (which is the only team that's undefeated and is in first place... NAH NANA NAH NAH!) so I can sit back and enjoy the game.  Wait, let me correct that, I can enjoy MOST of the game today because I will be turning back and forth between that and Sleepy Hollow.  That's me and my girl's new show to watch together, it just so happens to come on during Monday Night Football...meaning it's not too concern about ratings I guess.  Anyways, I know both teams are undefeated, but I feel like I expected more from the Saints this season.  They don't seem like the same team they were during their Superbowl run in 2009, but their defense does look a little better than it has in the last couple of years.  Miami on the other hand looks a lot better than most people expected.  Ryan Tannehill looks to be the qb that Miami needed for success.  Hard to believe he doesn't have too much experience at quarterback, but he sure is handling the job well.  As much as I do want the Saints to win (I try to root for my boy Pierre Thomas, since I grew up with him.  He's a good dude), I somehow feel that their will be an upset tonight.  So I'm picking the Dolphins to win a close one by a field goal, 31-28.

Time to start getting ready for the game/Sleepy Hallow.  Enjoy the game (or the show if you're in the same situation I'm in).  PEACE!

A Change is Gonna Come

YO YOOOOOOO!!! It's been a little while since I last blogged (I have a habit of taking extended vacations from blogging), but I'm back yet again!  Normally when I come back I have updates on what's been going on in my life, no need to change the routine now.  So with that said, here's what's new with me.

*thinks.... where do I begin? Hmmmm...*

First off, this is the first time publicly I will announce that I'm no longer a part of the hip hop group CMG.  There's no beef between me and any of the other member, I just felt as if it was time for me to move on.  I thank everyone in CMG for giving me the opportunity to rock with them, grow with them, and bond with them.  CMG makes some DOPE music, and Synergy II is not only one of the best albums I've heard in a while (this is totally a non bias opinion), but it shows the progression of men not only artistically, but mentally, spiritually, and just a total progression in life itself.  Nothing but love for those guys, I wish them the best of luck with everything and I hope to work with them again in the near future.  Make sure to check out their Facebook page here --->  https://www.facebook.com/copamg

This doesn't mean that I'm done with music (in case you were wondering). I am now a full member of O.T.S.S. Ent as an artist, producer, and engineer.  As of now, we are doing a lot of building and organizing for future plans.  You'll be hearing about them a lot more from me in the future, so be on the look out.  Also, I am in the process of working on my solo project (FINALLY) called "The Butterfly DEfect".  More to come on that, so stay tuned.

Since the last blog, I have gotten in a relationship with a wonder, beautiful girl named Michaela.  I been through a lot of heart break in my life, but this relationship feels different.  I feel balance between me and her, and that's very important.  She's not just my girl, she's my best friend.  Not because that's how it SHOULD be, but because that's just actually how it is.  It's not by force, as some of my past relationships have been.  I'm a blessed man to have her, and although it's only been four months, I feel that it's very possible that our relationship will continue strong for a LONG time.

Not only was I a single man since my last blog, I was also a heavier man.  I've started a new diet and have been working out almost everyday (oops... skipped yesterday, don't tell anyone) and have lost 32 pounds.  I feel and look better, but I know this is only a start.  I'm far from my idea weight right now, but I will get there in due time because I'm motivated and determined to reach this goal.  Shout out to the Myfitnesspal app, it has helped a lot.  My girl and my cousin have also been a big help for motivating me and keeping me on the "Write" track.  If either of you are reading this, thank you. (And if you are not, when WHY IN THE H@#$ ARE YAL NOT READING?!?! )

I'm not the only one that's been going through changes.  My father is no going through dialysis three times a day.  He lost over 20 pounds in just a few days and he feels a lot better now.  Eventually he's still gonna need a kidney, and part of the reason why I'm trying to lose weight is because if possible, I would like to be the one to give him one (kidney disease is hereditary, so who knows if I may need that kidney for myself). It's been a rough 2 years for him, but he is surviving the fight.  I thank everyone for the prayers for him, myself, and my family.  Nothing but love to all of you.

I could go on, but I'll try to spread out the other updates in newer blogs to come.  Some people fear change cause of not knowing what to expect, but change is a part of life.  Everything changes: situations, people, feelings, underwear (ok, for some people, underwear is NOT true...eww), etc. We often think that the blueprints for our life is written in permanent ink, but it's not... things have to be erased and altered to be made properly complete.  We have to embrace and prepare for change everyday as humans.  Just remember, not all change is good.  Make sure your changes are the best for yourself because another thing that changes is time, and time is something we can't get back.  As long as their is time left in your life, its never to late to make changes.  PEACE!

Easter Equality...?

            Happy Easter/Resurrection Day everyone!!   I just ate, but I’m still going to post this blog anyways because I felt that it would be the perfect time to do so.  Some may disagree with it, but I don’t write anything to please anyone. Oh, and I had absolutely NO idea what I was gonna name this blog, but it ended up sounding kinda cool, lol.  The blog really doesn't involve Easter at all, I just wrote it on Easter.  I know...smh.  

            Ok, so I don’t know what you seen in your FB feed recently, but I know I’ve seen nothing but pink equals signs and pictures of Jesus (oh, and occasional memes that have Kat Williams or Kevin Hart on them… wow those guys are short).  These pink equal signs represent marriage equality for all people, including homosexuals. I read that about 4 million out of 160-180 million people changed their profile picture on March 26^th, 2013 and a lot of these people were changing their picture to the pink equals sign.  With the number of supporters of gay marriage growing rapidly, there are still a lot of people that are against gay marriage and are also speaking loudly about it.

            The thing that’s most surprising to me is that there are a large about of Christians that although are strong in their beliefs considering God, are also supporting equality in gay marriage.  A lot of these people aren’t gay or bisexual, but have friends or close ones that are and they want to help support.  I’ve heard many of these people say that everyone sins, and no sin is greater or lesser than the other one.  Therefore, people should not be quick to judge homosexuals that want to live in holy matrimony.  I also hear often that this situation is about love, and we as a society should not tell anyone whom he or she can or can’t be in love with.    Here’s my two cents on the subject: 

            For myself, I also have friends and close ones that are bi-sexual and gay.  I don’t judge any of them, and will never judge them because I know that I am no better than anyone. I am a man of God…however I am not without sin (lets be real, who is?). I do take the word of God seriously, and within the bible it clearly shows God’s disapproval of homosexuality (Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:26-27; Corinthians 6:9 for example). I had to think long and hard on this situation because I like to see the whole picture before I write on it.  I’ve come with a few conclusions and I think they make a lot of sense.  For one, the whole idea that everyone sins is very true.  Homosexuality is no different than being a liar, and lying is something that a lot of us do on a daily basis.  I, however, think that the major difference in this situation is the promotion of sin.  If I lie, then ONLY I lie and I have to deal with the consequences from God.  But if I lie, then tell others that it’s ok to lie because God will forgive us for our sins anyways, then the sinful act of lying will spread like an epidemic throughout society. Truth be told, gay marriage won’t just have an effect on just the gay/lesbian/bi-sexual/transgender society, but it has an impact on all of us as a body under Christ. 

            I thought about it a little deeper because I’m sure a lot of people might not of liked the last few things that I said, and that’s fine.  I needed common logic to help support my opinion, and I finally figured it out.  See, religion all about relationship…a relationship with God.  We all look at a sin such as murder with a similar view (which by the way, often leads to judgment as well…something we shouldn’t do).  But when sin involves relationships, we tend to let things pass within our society.  For instance; we all know that premarital sex is a sin, however society has chosen to accept it and just encourage use to be safe.  In essence: safe sex = safe sin.  While some believe that making cute little campaigns and slogans to promote safe sex deserves a pat on the back, those that continue to be celibate until marriage might simple say, “the devil is a liar”.   Gay marriage and premarital sex share a common base: it involves some sort of relationship that WE want as opposed to what GOD wants.   Let’s not lose sight that some of the same people that are discrediting gay marriage are also having premarital sex…RIGHT?  Although I stand by my own thoughts and say that the biggest difference is the promotion of sin, I still would suggest that you don’t point fingers at gay marriage if your sins are just as bad.

The word LOVE is the key to this debate, and anyone that knows about love knows that how people comprehend it on earth differs from one person to another.  This, of course, is exactly the same in this debate.  Some of the same people that support gay marriage say things such as, “Love is love” and “we can’t help whom we love”.  Ironically, these same people can identify scripture 1 John 4:8 that states, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love”. I’m not saying that a person can’t love of the opposite sex, but someone that knows the word of God (and trust me, I’m still a rookie) would have to start questioning certain things within the situation.  Throw in Romans 1:24-27 in the mix, (look it up yourselves if you are really interested) and you may really start to think things over…maybe. 

            With all of that said and done, it still doesn’t answer the question “Should gay people have the right to marry?” We can sit here and talk this and that about sin, but we all know that God has the final say in everything.  So who are we to say that a gay couple can’t be married just as long as they acknowledge the risk of displeasing God? The bigger question is:  Why would you want to displease God?  Even BIGGER question:  Why do we do it anyways?  Is this the Devil’s way of finding a loophole to get to the hearts of man and women? I can tell you right now, I do not support gay marriage.  I think that it’s unnatural and not in God’s intentions.  But I will never judge, attack, or discriminate towards anyone that that supports it or live in that lifestyle.  I know others such as myself have gotten to the point of wondering that as a Christian, should I take a stand on the situation?  It’s almost similar to breaking a “Good Samaritan Law” if you think about it.  Maybe I’ll have to blog on the topic again in the future and see how much more or less differently I feel about what I’m doing about the situation.  All I know is that regardless on how you feel about the situation, there’s no need for anyone to attack another person’s beliefs.  This blog was not intended to be “right or wrong”.  It was merely my thoughts and feelings. 

            And now… I have a homework paper to write, UGH!

           

            God bless you all!  HAPPY EASTER!  PEACE!!!  

Social Inter(net)course

What up people?  Sorry I’m so late with the new blog, but isn’t that expected from me?  I wrote this blog because of some of the thoughts I had about some of the people I have become connected with on via the Internet.    

Let’s start this blog of with a definition:

Social networking – The Use of a dedicated Web Site to communicate informally with other members of the site, by posting messages, photographs, etc.

            One thing that I’m starting to realize about myself (and possibly others) is the whole concept of social networking.  See, a social network’s true intent it to help people communicate, or “socialize”.  These people can be friends that you have lost contact with and want to rekindle your friendship, family members, or possibly make new friends.  When attempting to make new friends, however, you have to understand that just because a network says that you and someone have become “friends”, the reality is that you are just linked within this network (“Facebook friends” for instance). 

            Some people might be thinking “DUH” right now, but there are many people that get things misinterpreted within the network.  Also, there are others that seek more than what the social network generally has to offer.  Some people, for whatever psychological reason of the individual, are in search of acceptance amongst peers.  These people tend to hide their true identity from those in the virtual world because they don’t feel accepted by others around them in their own environment.  They might not have any intentions to communicate with people at all; they just want their number of “friends” to increase for the sake of popularity.  Some of these people are never fulfilled, but rather content with their large amount of contacts. 

           

            There are others that become “friends” with people on these social networks and believe that since they share the title “friend” on the world of the Internet, they are actually friends with them outside of that world as well.  A lot of these people are left disappointed when they discover that their “friendship” only lasts as long as both people are engaged in the social network simultaneously.  When one or both leave, the “friendship” isn’t recognized.  While one person might actually acknowledge that the relationship only exist through the internet, the other might of not understood that and have higher expectations outside of the internet then their network friend. 

            With that being said, social networks CAN actually be the start of a beautiful friendship or even a love interest  between two people, but people can have to take these networks and the people in them for what they actually are.  If you are on these networks trying to fill an empty void within yourself, then you should be careful.  Instead, you may want to go get some psychological help to get to the root of your own issue.  That doesn’t mean you have to abandon yourself from these networks.  Use these networks as they are intended, and just don’t get ahead of yourself. 

            God bless you all… and follow me on Twitter @WriteJus   ;-)  haha…

To Stand for Something, or To Fall for Nothing?

             What’s up everybody?  So there’s two days left for Black History Month, so I decided to touch on something that ran across my mind the other day.  I’ll try to make this one short and sweet (just how I like my women, haha…).  Speaking of women, let me get to what’s on my mind. 

NOTE:  This is NOT necessarily a history lesson…just a comparison

            On December 1^st, 1955, a black woman by the name of Rosa Parks waked onto a Cleveland Avenue bus in Montgomery, Alabama and sat in one of the first rows that reserved for black or “colored” people.  As the bus began to fill with more white people, some of the new white passengers were unable to sit down because of the bus being crowded.   The bus driver, James Blake, then asked for four black people to give up their seats so that some of the standing white passengers can sit down.  Three agreed to do so, while Rosa Parks decided not to and stated, “I don’t think I should have to stand up” when asked why she wouldn’t stand.  James then called the police and told Rosa “I’ll have to arrest you”.  Three police officers then came to Rosa and arrested her and she went to trial on December 5^th.  She lost her trial, but her lost lead to the Montgomery Bus boycott, where her and other African-Americans were able to claim victory.  One of the things boycotted were for the allowance of black bus drivers to drive the bus (keep that in mind). 

This is what I call…  TAKING A STAND FOR SOMETHING!  Still to this day, Parks is referred to as “The Mother of Civil Rights.

Now lets fast forward…

On September 18^th, 2012 in Cleveland, Ohio, a black woman named Shidea Lane, 25, got on a bus driven by a 59 year old black man named Artis Hughes without paying because she claimed that she forgot her book bag.  Hughes finally did pay, and after she paid, it is reported that she called Hughes a “bitch”.  This then lead to an argument between the two, which then prompted Lane to grab Hughes by the throat, spit in his face, and hit him.  Following that sequence, Hughes then stands up (I’m assuming he stopped the bus, (crazy if he didn’t, right?) and yells to the girl “YOU GOIN’ TO JAIL NAH! (Nah = Now for all you that didn’t know that). Hughes then does the unbelievable and gives her an uppercut (aka SHORYUKEN!!!! * in my Ken Master’s voice *) and throws Lane off the bus.  The whole fiasco was taped on a cell phone and saw by millions, causing most people to laugh frantically while others watch in disgust.  Hughes’ explanation behind the devastating hit was, “She wanna be a man, I’mma treat her like one”.

This is what I call…TAKING A FALL FOR NOTHING!  Still to this day, Lane is referred to as “another ratchet black woman”. 

What’s my point?

My point is that black women like Rosa Parks was one of the reasons why a black man is even able to drive a bus in the first place and why blacks can sit anywhere they want to on the bus.  She suffered for her actions, but the lack of injustice fueled her decisions made on that December day.  58 years later, we see black women that do not even know how to conduct herself in a public bus, while a black man makes a terrible decision to take matters in his own hands and do something totally unprofessional.  Say what you want to about James Blake, but in his defense, he was only doing his job (as he stated on the date of the Rosa Parks incident). 

Looking at both of these situations should shed some light to what is currently going on in our black community.  For every one step forward we try to take in the right direction for better opportunities and equality, we shamefully take two steps back right in from the window for the world to see.  We still have a long way to go, and if we don’t get it together, then the black community will never amount to what our forefathers dreamt we could be.  Martin Luther King Jr. was an important person to the Montgomery Bus boycott…but could you imagine if he was around to see the violent act between Hughes and Lane?  WE NEED TO DO BETTER!

Sorry if this came out longer than expected, I really wanted to keep it short.  I PROMISE the next one will be (I hope, lol).  Take care everyone, and God bless.  

(Final note: Is it ironic that I finished this blog as SOON as Bad Girl's Club started?  Hmmmm...)

The Day AFTER Valentine’s Day…(aka “Side Chick Day”)

           

*Note: this blog isn't JUST for the side chicks, lol*

           What’s up everyone?  I hope everyone had a great Valentine’s Day.  Me personally, my day was just like any other day.  I did have a Valentine, we just don’t put too much into February 14^th like other people do.  Matter of fact, I’m gonna give you all a few things to reflect on since Valentine’s Day has come and gone.  Some things that might make you say…”hmmmmmm…”

            First off, I know that Valentine’s Day is a day that women like to feel special, but did your significant other REALLY accomplish that?  Valentine’s Day is a day that everyone goes out and gets teddy bears, candy, flowers, etc. right?  So what did your partner do for YOU that was different than what others did for their woman?  Here’s the perfect analogy to describe what I mean (since I love using analogies for some strange reason): If a school’s principle has labeled a group of kids as the “special” children of the school (meaning extra SMART) and labeled another group of kids as the OTHER “special” children (meaning extra SLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW), yet put them in the same classes with each other, then neither one of those groups will get any “special” treatment needed for that group.  So if you got a teddy bear and some candy, just like that girl… and that girl… AND that girl…………and THAT girl, then how special is the gesture?  Let’s be real, some of these Valentine Day gifts were bought at the Swap-O-Rama, gas stations, and I even seen some at a Mexican Restaurant the other day.   If you REALLY wanna make your girl feel special with the gifts that you get her, try personalizing them.  If you gonna get her flowers, make sure they are her favorite at least (same with candy).  If you gonna get her a teddy bear holding a heart, try to at least get the heart to have her name on it at least.  Jewelry is nice too, so try to engrave her name on whatever you’re getting her. I’ll tell you one thing women (especially the “side chicks”), some of you got recycled gifts! That gift wasn’t supposed to go to you at all.  I’ve seen guys buy a whole bunch of things for “wifey”, but then thought about it… I’m not gonna give her EVERYTHING, cause I still got this ratchet chick I’m messing with on the side that I should hook up tomorrow (Side chick day…remember?).  Not saying that is how the situation actually went for some of you, but I’ve seen it before.  If I’m gonna give out any gifts to my girl, I would try to make them as intimate as possible.  Intimate can also equate to being cheaper too if you play your cards right, so keep that in mind.  Remember, it’s the thought that counts (so they say).

            Some guys go all out with their affection on the 14^th, and now are running on “E” for damn near the rest of the year.  Sometimes you have to ask yourself  “should Valentine’s Day be THAT drastic of a change from the rest of the year”?   There are some guys that would rather just break up with their girl either on V. Day or the day before just because they feel a certain level of pressure to not disappoint (that might be their excuse, cause sometimes they are just plain C-H-E-A-P). I think if guys showed a consistent amount of love and affection all year long, then V-Day wouldn’t be as important to them.  For some girls, V-Day is the only day that they get to brag about their guy…so they live it up!!! (LOL…ahhh, that’s so sad).   

And for all of the side chicks that got denied yesterday but are getting their deserving attention today, don’t feel bad at all.  See…being a side chick gives you the opportunity to strive for something.  You aren’t number 1 yet… so you got something to work for!  Be optimistic!  You might be somebody’s number 1 eventually, so when you are… be ready!  Just remember to know your role in the situation.  Although he might not love you, he might love something about you: maybe the way you cook tacos, or how yo a** look in a certain pair of jeans, or even how that damn pay check be looking ever two weeks.   Embrace your inner side chick self, don’t reject it! 

Just remember, just because it’s not V. Day anymore, it don’t mean that you don’t have to spread the love anymore.  Let your girl know that she is special every day.  Get her gifts and do stuff for her at random because you love her, not because it’s that time of year to do so.  That’s what love is all about…with or without Valentine’s Day.  Be blessed everyone!